Get ready to shake your tail feathers, because the Rockwall Rubber Duck Regatta will return to the Harbor Saturday, Sept. 24 to make a splash for its 5thanniversary.
The Regatta serves as a fundraiser for local organizations Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County and Boys and Girls Club of Rockwall County. Contributing to the cause and enjoying the all-day, family-friendly event doesn’t mean you’ll see a big bill: ducks are available for purchase at rockwallduckrace.org for just $5. On the day of the event, participants can root for their little yellow friends as the ducks race down the Harbor fountain and cross the finish line.
Brenda Cross, who is helping to coordinate the event, said keeping participation economical has always been one of her primary goals when organizing the Regatta.
“By keeping the cost of the ducks at $5, we thought it would be affordable for everyone in Rockwall County to participate,” Cross said.
Owners of the top three lucky duckies that speed across the finish line first will be awarded prizes. The first place winner will receive a $1,000 Visa gift card, second place will receive a $500 Kroger gift card, and third place will receive a $250 Visa gift card.
Businesses can purchase and decorate corporate ducks for $100. Allen Lea will judge the most creative ducks that are sure to quack everyone up, and the winning business will receive a trophy. County Judge David Sweet will also give out the Judge’s Choice Award.
The event will feature about 75 vendor booths and live music. Cross said this year’s stage is sponsored by Texan Theatre Greenville.
At press time, other event sponsors include the City of Rockwall, Baylor Scott & White Lake Pointe, Southwest KIA, Hanby Insurance, Blue Ribbon News, Signature Signs & Graphics, Honda Cars of Rockwall, Berry Family Services, DeStefano Remodeling, Rockwall Police Department, Kroger, Farmers Electric Cooperative, Graves Roofing and Restoration, Citywide, Rockwall Economic Development Corporation, Home Instead Senior Care, Raspa Patron, American Engineering Consultants, American National Bank, Bright Snacks, City of Royse City, Cosmopolitan Lady Maid Service, Graves Landscaping, Jackson Automotive, Makersspace, Oncor, Housewarmers, Selfies on Canvas, and State Farm.
Due to space constraints, Cross said the 5k fun run would not return this year. However, the ever-popular glow-in-the-dark ducks aren’t going anywhere. After sunset, the Glow Duck Race will light up the lake with hundreds of miniature, neon quackers. The top three ducks in the Glow Race will receive the same prizes as their yellow counterparts.
The Regatta wouldn’t be possible, Cross said, without City of Rockwall employees volunteering their time to ensure smooth sailing.
“The City Council has always supported us every year,” Cross said. “They get in the water and wrangle the ducks to the finish line. They’ve always been a part of the Regatta since the very beginning, and we are very thankful for the city to back us and support us the way they have.”
Despite this year’s event lasting one day instead of two, Cross said she still hopes to see flocks of Rockwall citizens supporting their community at the Regatta.
“Every year it has grown, and we really want this year to be big,” Cross said. “It’s important for Rockwall County because these two organizations are such a vital part of our community. They really benefit the youth of the community and the elderly of the community: a wide spectrum.”
Don’t be a lame duck, waddle your way over to the Harbor for some fundraising and fun times.